Why a glass of wine a day is good for you

A glass of wine a day can cut the risk of the most common type of stroke by 10%, according to new research.

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A study conducted by researchers in Cambridge and Sweden, found that moderate drinking can help protect against ischaemic stroke, where a clot cuts off the blood and oxygen to the brain forcing suffers to re-learn how to walk and talk.

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The results revealed that a small glass of red wine, or any alcoholic drink less than 1.5 units for that matter, is believed to cut levels of protein that form blood clots.

The scientists also found that those who drank this amount were 10% less likely to have an ischaemic stroke, while drinking up to two drinks a day would reduce 8% of the risk.

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Dr Susanna Larsson, the lead author and Associate Professor at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, said:

“Whether light-to-moderate alcohol consumption, generally defined as one to two drinks per day, is protective against cardiovascular disease remains a controversial topic.

Alcohol consumption in moderation has been associated with increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, improved insulin sensitivity, and decreased levels of fibrinogen and inflammatory markers."

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However, the study which involved over 21,000 stroke victims, also stressed that drinking heavily still raises risks as it increases blood pressure.

“Previous research has found an association between alcohol consumption and lower levels of fibrinogen – a protein in the body which helps the formation of blood clots.

While this may explain the association between light to moderate alcohol consumption and lower ischaemic stroke risk, the adverse effect of alcohol consumption on blood pressure – a major risk factor for stroke – may increase the risk of haemorrhagic stroke and outweigh any potential benefit."